Saiyed Karim
Seeing Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, no matter how brief, brightened up the dull January air for Reds fans across the world.
Few can see a serious title challenge; the team are still in serious transition and Ole Solskjaer still has plenty of work to do. That said, simply by virtue of reaching the top, and beating Liverpool in the FA Cup, it is hard not to think that on some level, United are back.
It seems a long while ago now that United dominated English football, and that Sir Alex created a dynasty we never thought would end.
Whilst those days may be in the past, there are signs of a brighter future and being top for a week or two after Christmas is certainly a strong indication that better times could be around the corner.
What do United need to take this promising collection of young players and seasoned veterans to the next level? What would they need to do to become genuine favourites in the eyes of fans and pundits alike?
We have four key areas we think would turn Manchester United back into one of the strongest teams in the country.
Develop Amad Diallo
United paid £37m for Diallo despite him having just 76 minutes of professional football. It looked very much like a gamble, but if his performance against Liverpool Under 23s is anything to go by, then a title challenge might be on the cards next season.
He scored twice in a 6-3 rout of a strong Liverpool side and looks to be on a collision course with the first team. If he breaks through, then he will replace Mata on the right and give the side an exciting and vibrant balance.
Number Nine
Goals are not a major problem as such, with two exciting young players already forming a great relationship this season. The goalscoring partnership between Greenwood and Rashford averages 1.16 goals per game. And Bwin’s ‘Goalscoring Partnerships’ infographic confirms it is the second-most prolific in the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign.
What the side do need is a focus, a number nine other than the aging Edison Cavani, who can chip in with crucial goals, as well leading the line.
All genuine title challengers have a 25-goal-a-season striker and whilst United have goals from key areas, a mobile attacker with experience of European football would be a huge addition to those already exciting attacking options.
Defensive Solution
Harry Maguire is a strong defender, but he needs a partner who accentuates his attributes and does so with a touch more pace.
Victor Lindelöf and Eric Bailly are the rotated partners at present, with the Swede perhaps the better of the two, but Maguire looks more comfortable with the Ivorian at his side.
What Solskjaer must find is a player who combines the best elements of Lindelöf and Bailly in one complete package. If he manages that, he could move Bailly on, keep Lindelöf as backup and boast a central defensive partnership as strong as Ferdinand and Vidic all those years ago.
Holding Midfield
Replacing 32-year-old Matic in the long term is certainly important, and signing a midfielder who frees up exciting talents such as Donny van de Beek or Scott McTominay to play a more advanced role is vital.
Looking back in time, players such a Yaya Toure and N’Golo Kante have been key to driving a team to a title challenge, and United must find that type of character.
Who is the next Roy Keane, the fighter and the scrapper who can play in the holding midfield role alone and allow the creative players to roam, create chances and score without fear of being let down in key areas?
Answer that question, and the other three, and United will be one step closer to another Premier League title.
